Insulated pipework for ASHP fancoil cooling

[SBMS]

Considering fan coil units in bedrooms for cooling via ASHP (instead of a2a system). 
 

appreciate that many don’t run below dew point and don’t worry about insulated pipework. I’m a bit belt and braces so want pipework insulated. Is standard pipe lagging sufficient, or is a specialist product needed or something very expensive like the pre insulated pipework like ecoflex? I read that a vapour barrier is very important which I’m guessing standard pipe lagging doesn’t provide?

[-rick-]

I'm a long way away from doing it but I've pencilled in using pre-insulated MLCP pipe (and therefore MLCP fittings). Looks like it includes a vapour barrier around the insulation though that's something I haven't looked into. Not much insulation but I don't think you need that much so long as the pipe runs are inside the building fabric and you aren't running crazy temps.

 

Pre-insulated looks a lot less faff than other options and the price of this stuff seems reasonable, not like the ecoflex stuff which is designed for outdoor use. Another potential benefit of the insulated stuff is it isolates the pipe from the pipe clips (use ones that go around the insulation) so should avoid any noises from thermal expansion etc.

 

Tons of examples out there this is only one: https://cosy-floor.co.uk/product/pre-insulated-mlcp-pipe-6-5mm/

 

I've seen companies selling other colours than red + blue too.

[SBMS]

20 minutes ago, -rick- said:

I'm a long way away from doing it but I've pencilled in using pre-insulated MLCP pipe (and therefore MLCP fittings). Looks like it includes a vapour barrier around the insulation though that's something I haven't looked into. Not much insulation but I don't think you need that much so long as the pipe runs are inside the building fabric and you aren't running crazy temps.

 

Pre-insulated looks a lot less faff than other options and the price of this stuff seems reasonable, not like the ecoflex stuff which is designed for outdoor use. Another potential benefit of the insulated stuff is it isolates the pipe from the pipe clips (use ones that go around the insulation) so should avoid any noises from thermal expansion etc.

 

Tons of examples out there this is only one: https://cosy-floor.co.uk/product/pre-insulated-mlcp-pipe-6-5mm/

 

I've seen companies selling other colours than red + blue too.

That looks good thanks, just realised I have been looking at the exterior stuff which is why it was 2-3x as expensive!

[JohnMo]

Most insulation is fine it's all generally closed cell. If you are concerned about pipe condensation you need to install condensation drains for the fan coil also, with a dry trap. Or just put a small container under the drain point and empty as needed

[SBMS]

7 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Most insulation is fine it's all generally closed cell. If you are concerned about pipe condensation you need to install condensation drains for the fan coil also, with a dry trap. Or just put a small container under the drain point and empty as needed

Does it need a vapour barrier as well?

[JohnMo]

51 minutes ago, SBMS said:

Does it need a vapour barrier as well?

Not if it's closed cell insulation. If it's not closed cell then vapour barrier is needed